Interações entre Danaus plexippus (L.) e Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. no semiárido do município de Uiraúna, Paraíba, Brasil.

Abstract

The various interactions between plants and insects are related to a dynamic system subjected to continuous variations and changes. The interaction between Danaus plexippus (L.) and Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br, is mainly related to food, thus, factors such as the availability of available resources in the plant and protection for the larvae directly influence the relationship developed between them. The present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of D. plexippus in C. procera in the northeastern semi-arid region, in relation to the factors: plant height, leaf age and quantity, location of larvae on leaves (abaxial or adaxial, apex and base), presence or absence of reproductive structures and presence of other herbivores. Twenty individuals of C. procera were analyzed through pre established criteria about distance, height, age and leaf characteristics, the data obtained were analyzed by the Bioestat 5.0 program, through the Spearman and Mann Withney tests. A total of 41 caterpillars were found, indicating that on average young leaves are preferred, reproductive structures and the presence of other herbivores interfere with the number of caterpillars, however, plant height, number of branches and leaves and the location of larvae do not influence the number of larvae. the presence and quantity of caterpillars on the plant.